Today, four buddies and I drove down to the Smith Creek Viewpoint parking lot just short of the Windy Ridge Observatory at Mount Saint Helens. We unloaded the bikes and gear and then rode the St Helens loop clockwise:
- Smith Creek Trail descent and road climb,
- Ape Canyon Trail climb
- Plains of Abraham traverse, climb, and descent
- Road 99 to the Upper Smith Creek Trail
- Upper Smith Creek stairs to Harmony Viewpoint
- Finishing with the upper Smith Creek traverse back to Road 99
That last step was one we loved for the beautiful Spirit Lake views but that upper Smith Creek section is very overgrown and needs brushing bad next Spring.
Descending the Smith Creek Trail can be tough with some exposure, and many sections of loose pumice rock which are in switchbacks and corners along the trail. The creek crossing was best today by crossing before the route shown in Trailforks. You can zoom into my activity log map to see the crossing path and location the five of us followed.
The traverse along the west side of the creek and the climb on the road to trail conversion was pretty straightforward. We got to the Ape Canyon Trailhead and took a break and did some refueling.
Climbing the Ape Canyon trail initially has some tech to get through but then becomes a better trail to climb. It is in good shape and has some beautiful viewpoints if desired. Once high enough, the Plains of Abraham are crossed with some rocky challenges, and some exposure, but is such a diverse environment compared to our west side, Cascade forests. The final sections of the Plains of Abraham Trail are descents down loose pumice and gravel and cable supported ladder stairs. It is hard to roll with good traction and is almost a controlled slide. Just be aware and careful descending those sections.
Views and picture opportunities on this trip are so numerous when open areas are passed through. This loop is very strenuous but so fulfilling. Today’s Trailforks activity log and pictures are here and make sure you put this route on next year’s rides list.